In this workshop the plan was to go through the design process and design a product. Depending how long it took them I also planned to show them some logo ideas using their devices and perhaps set up them up with some designs for advertising or packaging.
The brainstorm was meant to give the ākonga a few ideas to design a product which they could then pretend to sell. However this became a deeper and the students were focussed on providing their voice.
The brief: “In paris or small groups discuss a problem to solve: “What are some problems you have being a student at Haeata” This brainstorm delved deep into the students minds!
It was a challenge for the groups to move onto the next stage. So I had to take on the “role” of designer. I listened to their problems and tried to define the common theme and give them a direction for their solution. This process role modeled good communication and as a designer I had to listen. I also asked questions to clarify what the groups meant. Once I listened I defined the problem and then we could have moved onto the creative “making things” stage if we had time.
Interesting to note: Charlotte (my daughter, year 7) was the only one who did her own thing and just started making stuff! After watching the video it was all she needed to get started on the design process.
I think if I was more prepared it would have taken less time. I definitely underestimated how long the brainstorm process would take and 2 groups needed a lot of scaffolding for this part.
I am wondering if I use these ideas for a follow up workshop and try and encourage the ākonga to be more creative and play with a range of material, creative junk or digital programmes.
My concern is that the ākonga were bored and won’t want to finish this process and so I might get no students or completely new students turn up.
Ideas I have to improve the delivery of this material:
- Summarise a problem and present a range of possible solutions
- Students can use their own as well
- I can use the data collected from these group
- This will support ākonga to give the process another try
- If I include some sketches or programme links then they might be inspired to add their own touches
- It remains a creative exercise with individualised components
- It provides more structure (I think the students need a little more guidance)
Further reflection on using this data:
- I could use this information to help research or start an inquiry!
- Perhaps I could turn this into another theme called “grow your student voice”?
- The student’s voice is very valuable and I know I need to use it to make a difference
- Perhaps I can use the identified problems to make a hāpori wide contribution?
- Collaborative problem solving - it’s part of what I learnt in Mindlab on Wednesday - Scrum!
How can I get as many contributions as possible?
- GOOGLE FORMS? - advertise on Panui
- Paper surveys
How do I approach/inform other kaiako about this project?
- Add to Wunderlist?
- Add to Panui?
I had planned to print layout pages from the resource I was using but time ran away on me.
I need to start preparing workshops earlier to allow more time for unexpected delays.
It’s not an excuse but I had woken up on Wednesday at 2am and had trouble going back to sleep. By the end of this day I was at Mindlab in Rangiora and I was exhausted, I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
